DA to complain over Michael Hulley

Johannesburg - An official complaint would be lodged about President Jacob Zuma's appointment of his personal attorney as his legal advisor, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday.

MP Geordin Hill-Lewis said the DA also wanted to know why the president needed a criminal lawyer as a legal adviser.

"While defending ... Zuma on charges pertaining to the arms deal, Mr [Michael] Hulley took possession of tapes of intercepted telephone conversations between Bulelani Ngcuka, then National Director of Public Prosecutions, and [then] Scorpions boss Leonard McCarthy," Hill-Lewis said.

"... Concerns about Hulley's involvement in the spy tape saga are part of a growing body of evidence which raise serious questions about the president's judgment in appointing him."

Hill-Lewis said there were two outstanding investigations into Hulley.

One was for his role in Aurora Mining, a company which collapsed and left people unemployed. The other was about the alleged possession of stolen property in relation to the secret tapes that ensured that corruption charges against Zuma were dropped.

The DA said in view of these investigations it was highly unlikely that Hulley would have been granted the necessary security clearance special advisers needed.

"The only possible explanation is that he was granted an exemption by the president," said the DA.

"Such special treatment heightens concerns that Mr Hulley has been hired by the president not to advise him on state legal matters, but to act as a firewall - at the state's expense - to shield President Zuma during the upcoming arms deal inquiry."

The opposition party felt that Hulley's presence at the presidency undermined the president's "new-found commitment to transparency and accountability".

The Law Society should determine whether Hulley was still fit to serve in its ranks, and the president should retract his appointment, the DA said.

Comments

Adam - 2011-11-08 18:18

....and we are all surprised at this cunning move?.....

Myancmyfuture - 2011-11-08 22:29

I'm also surprised, maybe President Zuma should have used Odddendal from Midvaal, afterall he has an excellent record spanning for more than 30 years

roboman1 - 2011-11-09 10:22

After all, Zuma is most cunning, no I am not surprised, he did not survive the rape charges, all those corruptions allegations, 5 wives and an out of wedlock child scandal without lots of animal cunning

Atholl - 2011-11-08 18:23

The words 'fit and proper' need to be tested for:
.... whether a person who conducts a litigation strategy that includes unlawful interception -
--- invasion of privacy where a judge has not approved the interception :
--- whether that person (officer of the court)
................... is a threat to the Bill of Rights ....

Pur - 2011-11-08 18:52

What's so strange? JZ and MH are "friends", just like Jackie Selebi and Glen Agliotti. Friends do favours for friends.

Marius - 2011-11-08 18:53

I don't know anymore. We all complain and bitch about the government but it seems nothing changes. They just continue with their corruption and bringing our country down. Lets be honest: There is nothing to be optimistic about. It is going to be a bleak Xmas.

Adam - 2011-11-08 19:19

.....and New Year

Deon - 2011-11-09 08:45

At least we have some test cricket starting today. Can we for a change please beat the Oz?

mary.kircher - 2011-11-08 19:58

Oh Please! People with half a brain can work this out !

Sassenach - 2011-11-08 23:05

Too true Mary. Just goes to show how transparant they are. Do they take us for fools? Something has to give and I hope I'm still around to see it happen.

Faith - 2011-11-08 20:06

ANC mus be boycotted out of power by every race group in this country, we don't care about the history of the party but about what they are doing at present so laat hulle skoert, THEY ARE A COMPLETE FAILURE!

Mantsho - 2011-11-08 21:02

Another five yrs with this people,it will be a disaster,they dont know how to rule,all they care about is stealing.